Some of the UK’s most visited websites face enforcement action from the data protection watchdog if they do not make changes to allow users to consent to advertising cookies. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said some websites do not give users fair choices over whether or not they are tracked for personalised advertising. The ICO has previously issued guidance to help ensure firms make it as easy for users to reject advertising cookies as it is to accept all – often using consent banners which pop up when a user first lands on a website – but the watchdog has said that some of the UK’s top websites are not complying with data protection law on this issue. Many of the biggest websites have got this right. We’re giving companies who haven’t managed that yet a clear choice: make the changes now, or face the consequences Stephen Almond, ICO It said it had written to a number of firms giving them 30 days to comply or face potential enforcement action. Under UK data protection law, companies must give users fair choice to opt out of tracking using cookies, which is often then used to serve people personalised adverts online. Companies are still able to show users adverts when someone has rejected all tracking, but the ads must not be tailored to the person browsing. Stephen Almond, ICO executive director of regulatory risk, said: “We’ve all been surprised to see adverts online that seem designed specifically for us – an ad for a hotel when you’ve just booked a flight abroad, for instance. Our research shows that many people are concerned about companies using their personal information to target them with ads without their consent. “Gambling addicts may be targeted with betting offers based on their browsing record, women may be targeted with distressing baby adverts shortly after miscarriage and someone exploring their sexuality may be presented with ads that disclose their sexual orientation. “Many of the biggest websites have got this right. We’re giving companies who haven’t managed that yet a clear choice: make the changes now, or face the consequences.” The ICO said it would provide a further update on this work in January, including details of any companies that had not addressed the watchdog’s concerns. Read More Employee data leaked during British Library cyber attack Half of adults who chat online with strangers do not check age – poll Businesses embracing generative AI but fear cyberattacks, survey finds

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Marcus Rashford was involved in a scary car accident following Manchester United’s win against Burnley on Saturday night. After travelling back to United’s Carrington training ground on the team coach from Turf Moor, the England international escaped unhurt after crashing his £700,000 Rolls Royce. Footage shared on social media shows a car dented on the side of the road, with police surrounding the scene with a traffic island toppled too. No ambulance was called, with The Sun reporting that Rashford, 25, was “shaken” after the incident. Man United captain Bruno Fernandes also came across the scene, stopping to help. Fernandes scored the match-winner for a United side who picked up a much-needed win against the Clarets. Rashford played the full 90 minutes at Turf Moor. Speaking before the match, Rashford emphasised how important it was for the Red Devils to get back to winning ways: “One good result, one good performance, can be a game-changer at this club. It’s a difficult position and I’m not as happy as I’d like to be, but there’s only one way to get back this happiness is to seek results.” “We know the effect that a victory can have on the team and then it’s up to the players to show consistency. That’s what we lacked. Last year, we were very consistent at home, but very irregular away.” The Independent has contacted Rashford’s representatives for comment. Read More Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag hails ‘massively important’ Jonny Evans Surreal brilliance of Jonny Evans hands Manchester United a much-needed victory

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